This Art and design video shows the children how to care for their painting equipment and keep colours bright and clear. Through the story of Oscar, the children discover how colours can become muddy when paints are mixed accidentally and why cleaning brushes carefully helps artists achieve the colours they want.

The video demonstrates how to clean a paintbrush by swirling it in water, dabbing it on a paper towel and checking that no paint remains before changing colours. The children also learn why dirty water can affect their painting and when to replace it with clean water. Inspired by the colourful artwork of Alma Thomas, the children are encouraged to develop good painting habits, helping them work more confidently and independently.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Art and design painting videos, which support teachers in developing confidence and subject knowledge as they help children explore creative techniques and express their ideas through art.

See more of our Year 1 Art and design scheme of work.

• Art and design, Year 1, Painting and mixed media: Learning about paint and brush control, Lesson 3: Controlling paint.
• Art and design, Year 1, Painting and mixed media: Learning about paint and brush control.